Nigeria’s Influential Yoruba King Dies At 101

The ruler of Ibadan land, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade has died at age 101.

According to his son, who confirmed the news to the BBC, the influential monarch in south-west Nigeria died in his sleep on Tuesday evening.

Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade before his death ruled over Nigeria's third largest city Ibadan. He was a symbolic and influential monarch who exhibited some regional influence.

He was one of the few unelected figures whom the government would consult on major policy issues in the south-west, reports the BBC's Chris Ewokor from the capital, Abuja.

A World War Two veteran, the late monarch was also a seasoned civil servant and a politician who served as a minister in the 1960s.

The name of his title, Olubadan, has been trending on Twitter across the country, since the news of his death broke. Oba Odugade became king at the age of 93, following the death of the previous Olubadan in 2007.Olubadan means Lord of Ibadan and is one of the royal titles given to the king.

An official announcement of the Yoruba king's death is expected later.